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THE SHELDEAKE 



(Tadorna cormita) 



Contrary to the majority of our British Ducks, the Shel- 

 drake is a resident on the coasts throughout the year. It 

 may very justly be called a true Sea Duck — obtaining its 

 sustenance from the sands and mudflats of the ocean in 

 summer and winter alike, and rearing its young but a short 

 distance from the ever-troubled waves. Most Ducks only 

 seek the coast in winter, when their favourite inland pastures 

 are sealed with ice and snow, but the Sheldrake remains 

 there throughout the year. Its numbers are increased in 

 autumn by birds from arctic regions, but these return 

 with the sun in his northern journey. Owing to the nature 

 of its food and the method of obtaining it, the Sheldrake 

 only frequents certain parts of the coast. Low sandy 

 beaches, estuaries, and mudbanks are its favourite haunts 

 — on the wide extensive wastes, where its sliy wary nature 

 renders it perhaps the most difficult bird to approach. Long 



